Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a quick, gooey treat that tastes like warm bakery cinnamon rolls in bar form. This easy bake uses canned cinnamon rolls and a simple cream cheese glaze to make a dessert that everyone will love. Try it after a busy morning or bring it to a potluck — it takes little time and gives big comfort. For more cinnamon roll ideas, see best cinnamon rolls ever recipe.
introduction
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Ingredients :
Two (2) cans (8 counts each) refrigerated cinnamon rolls (with icing packets reserved), 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted, 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar, 1 teaspoon vanilla extract, 2 ounces cream cheese, softened, 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Directions :
Step 1: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang on the sides for easy removal later. Separate the cinnamon rolls from the enclosed icing packets and set the icing aside., Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract; stir until well blended. Unroll and slightly flatten half (8 rolls) of the cinnamon rolls and press them evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan to form a cohesive crust layer., Step 3: Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll base. Gently arrange the remaining 8 cinnamon rolls on top of the filling, placing them side-by-side across the pan. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the edges are golden brown and the center is set., Step 4: While the bars are cooling slightly, prepare the "bliss" glaze. In a small bowl, combine the reserved icing packets, the softened cream cheese, and the powdered sugar. Whisk vigorously until the glaze is smooth, thick, and lump-free., Step 5: Drizzle the prepared cream cheese glaze liberally over the warm bars, ensuring even coverage. Allow the Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars to cool completely before removing them from the pan using the parchment paper edges and cutting into squares for serving.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy: Uses canned cinnamon rolls, so prep is fast and simple.
- Few Ingredients: You need basic pantry items and just one type of ready-made dough.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Rich, sweet, and gooey — everyone will ask for seconds.
- Great for Any Occasion: Brunch, dessert, bake sales, or simple comfort food.
- Standout Feature: The buttery brown sugar layer under the top rolls makes a caramel-like center you don’t get with plain cinnamon rolls, giving a perfect balance of gooey and tender.
This version turns classic rolls into a shareable bar that feels homemade with minimal effort. It’s warm, comforting, and impressive without fuss.
Ingredients Needed
- For the base and filling:
- 2 cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8 rolls per can). Keep the small icing packets from each can for the glaze.
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted.
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar.
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract.
- For the glaze:
- Reserved icing from the cinnamon roll cans.
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened.
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar.
Note: Use room-temperature cream cheese so the glaze mixes smooth. If you like extra richness, use European-style butter.
For another fun twist on cinnamon treats, check these cinnamon roll cookies.
How to Make Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
Preheat and prep
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13-inch pan with parchment paper and leave extra hanging over the sides. This makes it easy to lift the bars out after cooling.
Make the bottom layer
2. Open the cinnamon roll cans and set the small icing packets aside. Using one can (8 rolls), unroll each roll slightly and press all eight pieces together into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Flatten gently so the pieces join into one crust — this helps the filling stick and bake evenly.
Mix and add the filling
3. In a medium bowl, stir together the melted butter, packed brown sugar, and vanilla until smooth. Pour this mixture over the pressed bottom layer, spreading it toward the edges so it soaks into the dough. This brown-sugar butter makes a gooey caramel layer when baked.
Top with remaining rolls and bake
4. Place the remaining 8 cinnamon rolls side-by-side on top of the sugar-butter layer. They can touch each other. Bake 25–30 minutes until the edges turn golden brown and the center looks set (a toothpick in the center should come out mostly clean with a few moist crumbs).
Make the "bliss" glaze and finish
5. While the bars cool a little, beat together the reserved icing packets, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth and lump-free. Drizzle this thick glaze over the warm bars so it melts into the edges. Let the bars cool completely in the pan before lifting out with the parchment and cutting into squares. Cooling lets the layers hold shape for clean slices.
Why each step matters: pressing the bottom layer creates a sturdy base; the brown sugar mix becomes a sticky, caramel-like center; cooling before cutting keeps the bars neat.
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve warm or at room temperature. Warm bars are gooier; cooled bars slice cleaner.
- For a nicer plate, dust with extra powdered sugar or add a sprinkle of chopped pecans.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 days. For longer storage, keep in the fridge up to 5 days.
- To reheat, microwave a piece for 10–15 seconds or warm in a 300°F oven for 5–7 minutes until just heated through.
Helpful Notes
- Use the parchment overhang to lift the whole slab out — it keeps cutting tidy.
- If your cream cheese is cold, microwave for 5–8 seconds to soften before mixing the glaze.
- To make bars less sweet, use half of the reserved icing and add 2–3 tablespoons milk to thin the glaze.
- For crunch, sprinkle chopped nuts on top just after glazing so they stick.
- Variation: Add a layer of chopped apples or raisins between the bottom layer and the brown sugar mix for a cinnamon-apple version.
Conclusion
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars give you all the cozy flavor of cinnamon rolls without the long rise or fuss. They’re fast to make, use simple pantry items, and deliver a gooey, rich dessert that’s perfect for brunches or casual gatherings. If you want to see another take or check the original inspiration behind this idea, visit Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars – Beth’s Quick Bites. If you try the recipe, please leave a comment and a star rating — and share a photo on social media so others can try it too!
FAQ
Can I use homemade cinnamon rolls instead of canned ones?
Yes. You can use homemade rolls, but cut them to similar size and use the same method: press half as the base and place the rest on top. Keep in mind homemade dough may need slightly longer bake time.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Yes. After baking and cooling, wrap individual bars tightly and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm briefly before serving.
How can I make these less sweet?
Reduce the powdered sugar in the glaze by a quarter, or use only half the reserved icing packets. You can also add a small pinch of salt to the glaze to balance sweetness.
Can I make these gluten-free?
Yes, if you use gluten-free refrigerated cinnamon rolls from a reliable brand. Baking time may vary slightly; watch for golden edges and a set center.
Print
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 12 servings 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Cinnamon Roll Bliss Bars are a quick, gooey treat that captures the essence of warm bakery cinnamon rolls in bar form, perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- Two (2) cans refrigerated cinnamon rolls (8 rolls per can)
- 1/2 cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup powdered sugar
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a 9×13 inch baking pan with parchment paper, allowing the paper to overhang for easy removal.
- In a medium bowl, combine melted butter, brown sugar, and vanilla extract; stir until well blended. Unroll and slightly flatten half (8 rolls) of the cinnamon rolls and press them evenly onto the bottom of the prepared pan.
- Pour the butter and brown sugar mixture evenly over the cinnamon roll base. Arrange the remaining 8 cinnamon rolls on top and bake for 25 to 30 minutes.
- Prepare the cream cheese glaze by whisking together reserved icing, softened cream cheese, and powdered sugar until smooth.
- Drizzle the glaze over the warm bars, allow to cool completely, then lift out using the parchment paper and cut into squares.
Notes
For a fun twist, add a layer of chopped apples or raisins between the bottom layer and the brown sugar mixture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 18g
- Sodium: 200mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 4g
- Cholesterol: 30mg